Senator Rhonda Fields Launches Campaign for

Arapahoe County Commissioner

issued the following statement: Arapahoe County’s population and economy are booming. In fact, within a few short years, we are destined to become the most populated county in Colorado. In that context, my core objectives as a county commissioner will be to:

1) Serve as a trusted partner for our sheriff’s department and the Aurora and Glendale Police Departments to ensure they have the resources and tools they need to keep us all safe.

2) Elevate the profile of Arapahoe County Works as a resource for connecting people to jobs and apprenticeships, internships, and mentorships.

I recognize that county roads, parks, trails, open space, our tree canopy, and every other county asset require ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) — all of which come at a cost. Anticipating and preemptively planning for O&M costs is essential to strategic planning.

Citing her unrelenting commitments to public safety, crime prevention, affordable housing, a vibrant business climate, smart growth, and transportation infrastructure Senator Rhonda Fields announced her candidacy for Arapahoe County Commissioner, District 5.

Incumbent Commissioner Bill Hollen, who is term-limited, immediately endorsed her. “I’ve known Senator Rhonda Fields for many years. She’s a highly effective leader with public policy expertise in many realms,” said Commissioner Bill Hollen. “From public safety, workforce development, and early childhood learning to protecting air and water and supporting open space and infrastructure investments, Rhonda is an ever- vigilant champion of the people of Aurora and Arapahoe County. She’s independent, thoughtful, and known for respectfully but effectively taking on legislative leaders of both parties to serve her constituents. Her work ethic, experience, and effectiveness are outstanding. I wholeheartedly support Rhonda for Arapahoe County Commissioner District 5.”

In announcing her candidacy, Senator Rhonda Fields

3) Invest in enrichment and recreational opportunities for our youth to engage them constructively; keep them safe and off the streets; steer them away from gang activity and graffiti; and place them on a positive trajectory to adulthood.

4) Collaborate with local senior advocates to enhance opportunities and quality of life for our seniors, who deserve a dignified retirement after a life of hard work.

5) Honor our veterans and military families, and support every facet of their well-being.

6) Collaborate with fellow county commissioners, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, the Aurora Economic Development Council, and the City of Aurora to recruit new corporate headquarters (employers) to Arapahoe County while positioning our county as the best place in the metro region for entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow and thrive.

7) Aesthetically shape inevitable county growth while mitigating undesirable growth impacts. That also means making strategic investments in our transportation infrastructure and pothole repair. By extension, that means planting and maintaining many more trees to enhance the tree canopy and beauty of our county, to combat the pervasive heat-island effect, and to provide residents with shadier respites during historically hot, dry summers.

Lastly, as a sitting senator and aspiring county commissioner, my message to the business community is simple: Arapahoe County is open for business, and I’m standing by to help you succeed! Whether you’re a large corporation seeking to relocate to the metro region, an entrepreneur pursuing a new venture, or an established businessperson, please be advised: we want you! You generate the sales tax revenues that help pay for essential county services.

BOTTOM LINE: as county commissioner, I intend to use my influence to enhance our community as an idyllic place to live, work, raise a family, grow a business, and retire.

Rhonda is a 30-year Aurora homeowner and raised two children in Aurora public schools. Before serving in the legislature, Rhonda worked in management for United Airlines. The double homicide of her young son, Javad Fields, and his fiancé, Vivian Wolfe, propelled her into public service as one of Colorado’s leading crime-victims’ advocates. Rhonda has one adult daughter, Maisha Fields, and four grandchildren.

Throughout her legislative career, Senator Fields has consistently given voice to the voiceless and sought to represent the most vulnerable people and families in Arapahoe County and throughout the state. Her legislative legacy is undeniable. Having sponsored dozens of legislative bills that ultimately became law, she is among Colorado’s most highly effective lawmakers. Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg called her the “conscience of the Senate.”.